2 international wins uplift Filipino hearts

Malacañang congratulated boxer Nonito ‘the Filipino Flash’ Donaire Junior and Ms Universe bet Ariella Arida for their wins and for bringing good news to those who have been suffering in the wake of the super typhoon.

Nonito knocked former four-time champ Vic Darchinyan via a technical knock-out in the 9th round of their rematch held at the American Bank Center in Texas, USA. His left hook sent the Armenian boxer wobbly and on his knees. Donaire said ‘I put my heart in it, and I said that I will never quit.’

Ariella meanwhile grabbed the third runner-uptitleat the Miss Universe pageant held in Moscow, Russia. Ariella was the only titlist from Asia who reached the finals. Despite bowing down to Miss Universe winner Gabriela Isler of Venezuela, Ariella remained thankful for the outpour of support she received during the competition.

She tweeted ‘To all my kababayans, thank you to all your support!! Thank you to my BPCI family and to Madam Stella! This is all #ForThePhilippines.’

Prior to their bouts, Nonito and Ariella have expressed their solidarity with those who were reeling from the super typhoon’s effects. Ariella uploaded an Instagram video on Friday dedicating her fight for the Miss Universe crown to the Filipino people.

Ariella in the Top 5 of Miss Universe 2013

Donaire also thanked his fans for their continued support, and dedicated his win to the country:

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said any positive news is very welcome: ‘We extend our congratulations to Ms Arida and to the Filipino Flash for excelling in their particular fields.

‘We appreciate the efforts to bring a little bit of a smile to the faces of countrymen who are going through so much in the aftermath of the typhoon.’